Kakenya Ntaiya: A girl who demanded school | TED

Kakenya Ntaiya made a deal with her father: She would undergo the traditional Maasai rite of passage of female circumcision if he would let her go to high school. Ntaiya tells the fearless story of continuing on to college, and of working with her village elders to build a school for girls in her community. It's the educational journey of one that altered the destiny of 125 young women. (Filmed at TEDxMidAtlantic.)
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[@ridakhan8821]

listening to her struggles and hardships makes me realize how much we don't appreciate the right of education we have

[@valeriegmz]

Amazing woman, I was brought to tears with her speech. So proud of her.

[@okorochukwunonso2563]

Same here.

[@okorochukwunonso2563]

This moved me to tears. Love and blessing to her and her community.

[@islamlotfy7599]

Heartbreaking, my eyes are full of tears. Such a brave soul, proud of her.

[@yamunaharsha]

Deep respects to her never-say-die attitude and courage that has transformed her world totally and forever! She's the kind that stays on the mind as an inspiration for life...

[@Mercy8115]

This was a really sad story. I am literally in tears. I'm motivated by her strength.

[@chinazom7600]

This brought me to tears. I'm not a fan of motivational speeches, but this definitely motivated me.

[@patriciawaithera5323]

Absolutely inspiring, she is representing Kenya in such a great way. Sad that this still happens in our country but through people like +Kakenya Ntaiya it shall be a better country.

[@suusbraam]

A truly amazing woman with lots of courage to bring the change this world needs! I'm truly touched and inspired by her lifestory.

[@sydneexo]

Very inspiring story. This is one of the reasons I've always wanted to become a teacher, to inspire students & to make a difference in the life of one student, my community & beyond. Great, great TED Talk !

[@holdmybeer]

A standing ovation, haven't seen that in a while. She is a great speaker.

[@lydiakumah8824]

I cried listening to this talk. How far we’ve come and the things we have to go through before change happens.

[@ntaiyiaclasnich4672]

What an inspiration. I stand for the Maasai Girl-child and against FGM.

[@Qudirat_Ishak]

Such a brave woman. what an emotional story! she did an awesome job at helping her community

[@carollll56]

lets all stand up for girls please

[@lilyghazali8341]

This talk does things to me. I loved every second of it.

[@TheLaird123]

I'm from Kenya and I didn't know this stuff still happened. Honestly our leaders need to enforce the law to avoid ruining lives of more of our women. Nice talk and congratulations Ms.Ntaiya on having the confidence to share that personal side of your life

[@LeonidasGGG]

TED is having some of the best talks in months. This was trully inspiring... what a story. What a lady!

[@sinterialemain906]

Kakenya has inspired us. The village is shining success

[@germaicanlady]

I have nothing but admiration for this young lady! Let's ALL move forward!

[@uniqueliberty1]

This woman is so brave and she is making a difference in the world. She is the change we all need to see in the world.

[@AriaHarmony]

So brave and smart too, she managed to bring people around her to her side, I would have been scared to even try that after going through such a harrowing experience. You are a true inspiration Kakenya!

[@Ali565]

This woman is a true heroine. All little girls who are struggling can look to her for inspiration.

[@INSIDEOFMYSELF]

this lovely women who has spoken such words has shaken me, and changed my heart. What a journey you have been through...such strength, determination...encouragement. be encouraged

[@juanvazquez1020]

Who else didn’t do this @school so now you gotta listen to it so u don’t fail

[@TheBluemo0on]

Very inspiring story a wonderful Woman Who makes a difference ♥

[@joshuafields1067]

Kakenya Is very inspiring. She had a tough childhood and was brought up in a struggling country but you know what she has and will Change lives!! Knowing that we have many recourses at our reach we tend not to care about change, there is the problem.

[@lindawisebear]

What an amazing woman!

[@MahmoudAminTaha]

I'm at a loss for words, Thank you.

[@JoeyVOV]

Unrelated to the video, but I absolutely love the African accents, yet there may be variations within the different countries, as a whole I think they are awesome.

[@elisepinners]

Long overdue - we need this and much more of this!

[@TenyLeons]

grt lady,, she came back where he from and did serve them .. rarely people do... god bless u fullfill your dreams vry soon...

[@wachiramrm3925]

As a Kenyan I can tell you that whatever help you, pootang magnet, have been giving us for the past 50 years, we could have easily done without.

[@iyamajosephine3030]

This is very impactful. Thank you

[@pamelamonique4529]

Gratidão pelo seu engajamento. Luta e resistência sempre!!!

[@101mosioatunya]

Kakenya Ntaiya, you are an inspiration and I hope that the girls you inspire will go on to spread your message of hope and courage and optimism. xxx

[@ArapKanda]

We are very proud of you!

[@Htressa12]

The Secret of My Familiar....great novel on this subject. I am proud of your courage and bravery. Thank you!

[@heroness]

wonderful..and so heartwarming..thankyou Kakenya for your wisdom~

[@whatismynameohwhatismyname]

Whoa an actually good and interesting TED talk no way. Great stuff.

[@Cylochik2009]

Fantastic speech. Thank you!

[@blizzard762]

The liberation of women is what can raise an entire society up a level. As soon as 50% of the population isn't treated like property, amazing things happen. Thank human goodness for people like Kakenya.

[@sannimohammedsanni3710]

Thank you for sharing... God bless you

[@sarahellenvlogs]

What a beautiful human being. Such an amazing story.

[@jelifd3081]

Desde Venezuela, Que hermosas palabras: "Somos personas que queremos ver un mundo mejor, que queremos ver que la guerra llegue a su fin, sin pobreza. Somos personas que queremos marcar una diferencia, somos personas que queremos construir un futuro mejor. Seamos valientes, hagámonos valer, seamos intrépidos, estemos seguros, Movámonos, porque mientras cambiemos el mundo, mientras cambiemos nuestra comunidad"......estaremos haciendo algo Por el futuro y el bienestar de las generaciones en desarrollo y las que están por venir.

[@stayintheheart]

What a passionate speaker.. Powerful. Happy International Women's Day!! :D

[@Brandyelyse]

Thank you. So inspirational. The suffering of women is great all over the world and they are the bearers of our children. They are the anchors of our communities. I abhor all genital mutilation including male circumcision. Our children should learn that their bodies are sacred not to be cut off at will. I am an OB nurse that has seen the results of female and male circumcision and I cannot, will not be a part of it.

[@thesupercoolBUNasser]

Stories like these show that not everybody lives the life that he wants and make people thank god for what they have

[@Aloebunny]

Thank you, I am grateful to know this woman;s story.

[@mostafahabdou7959]

Great Talk,

[@itohanomovbude7197]

this is so encouraging and really inspiring. I want to also be a change in my environment!

[@ThamuMp]

This is so heartbreaking.

[@1k191]

I'm inspired indeed, thank you Kakenya Ntaiya

[@joysitole4429]

Amazing!

[@erickkenya5146]

This is an amazing talk 👏

[@MrMattsung]

Ok, this lady is IMPRESSIVE.

[@polocaoimh]

So inspiring. Newstillerdotcom applauds Kakenya. We have just posted an article about this amazing lady. We hope it inspires our readers as much as it inspires us.

[@LapCat85]

This woman is amazing

[@ExclusiveManual]

a very powerful speech indeed.

[@ojojanet4916]

This is amazing!

[@spriderspider]

I am crying for you lady.

[@INSIDEOFMYSELF]

...and that too is changing...

[@victorwanjala3398]

Woooow thats such a motivating piece Kakenya

[@katherinealmeida4883]

Excelente!!!!

[@AyseBetulK]

admiring your courage. inspiring!

[@paulinechep9511]

Go go girl am proud of you

[@caocuong3421]

It touch my heart

[@LunarMaira]

Suddenly, I want to live in this world again.

[@itamer2506]

l adore her.

[@CHUKWUEMEKAVICTOROKOLO]

Impressive❤

[@vikitheviki]

Fantastic story and a marvelous woman:)

[@misssunshine1304]

Woo hoo. I'm proud to go to the same school as her.

[@kikiwi2399]

MARAVILHOSA! :)

[@HiAdrian]

Anyone else reminded of Ayaan Hirsi Ali in the way she speaks?

[@kate39363]

She is beautiful

[@Chebet_Surah]

Message heard beloved 😘

[@susan-gc5gp]

how does this only have 44000 views???

[@2nd3rd1st]

In the context of this talk read about the tradition of female circumcision on Wikipedia. en.wikipediaDOTorg/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation

[@kaleidojess]

I love this, Thumbs up!

[@lostusaslambus]

I'm so proud of this woman, and so heartbroken for all that she has gone through. However; for those saying western women should learn to accept how great their lives are, I want to give you an anicdote. When I was a girl, my father was abusive, but there were some things he didn't do. He used to say "You're so lucky, you've never been woken to me punching you across the face." I'm...so lucky? Wherever there is injustice, it should be rallied against, not only the worst of it, but all of it.

[@belovedsmallcat]

wonderful :)

[@dahalofreeek]

The empowerment of women is probably the easiest and most effective way to grow an economy. Availability of education to everyone and the inclusion of women in the workforce benefits everyone immensely.

[@ZOA360]

Human rights are becoming more focused into one universal standard. There are still cultures out there that practice such traditions if not "more degrading and inhumane," as some would think. Yet the only people who have a right to change cultures and ideas are the ones who grew up with it and can persuade them that there is another way, a "better way". The old cannot last in this new world, you got to change to survive.

[@tuttyfrutty9]

there is a lot of prejudice in your words. most people would never come back, she did and she is changing the life her people.. she shows that you can make a difference if you don't walk away. it's a big deal, most people go to bars and complain about the government and so on, but never act to change anything.

[@ZZzzzzzWhat]

everytime i see Maasais doing that jump dance i remember david hasselhoff's videoclip. lol

[@mcjjsk]

Good one!

[@creolebarbie718]

TED is just about giving new ideas, its about helping ppl develop new ideas to, her story moved ppl and informed them of the ppl in kenya. you just dont know her story just might moved the right person to develop a NEW IDEA to help the girls further in keyna. im just saying

[@YouHolli]

Point taken. However, it saddens me even more now that a fellow sceptic comes up with such an unreflected comment.

[@YouHolli]

Thank you. Looking at your channel I wonder how you performed in the "World's Quickest Personality Test"?

[@sadochrist8534]

Oh look you're starting to understand, you're not quite there yet but hopefully one day you'll get it. You can't be against some thing happening in some one other culture if your culture does the same thing.

[@DrEnginerd1]

Charles dickens once said the two greatest evils in this world are ignorance and want. Rid the world of ignorance and you will rid the world of want.

[@BurkeLCH]

This kind of change will happen faster and faster thanks to technology. I can now talk to people in war torn Syria while laying down to sleep. Communication shall set us free. Today is a strange place. Tomorrow is even stranger.

[@Girimami]

How and why about 31 people dislike this video? Either you are from Kenya or you dont like women progress.

[@Claribole88]

I agree.

[@Zaxomio]

the kind of person that just cant help himself when he sees a comment like this. The kind of person that wants to stand out and feel like he isn't one of the masses. I seriously get an urge to downvote when i see comments like this. I don't know why i have this urge since i don't dislike but it's like wanting to jump every time i am at a high location and i know i have the power to end it. Except i wont die by downvoting, so i do so. Just because.

[@trizmisce]

oh and i like the fact i am being demonised here for pointing out the lack of any actual effect of her actions in the grand scheme of things, while all you do is spew insults and chant like a sheep about "saving girls". it's simply miraculous how impairing to any critical thought that phrase makes any message being told.

[@YouOughtaKnowTV]

You are correct that the two are not equivalent. FGM is a more severe than MGM. However I would have to agree that there is, a rather staggering, cognitive dissonance when MGM is legal in countries that are, rightly, horrified at FGM. After all murder is a far more horrible crime, but we still outlaw assault.

[@kokofan50]

Why would a movie down vote a youtube video?

[@justbekindtooall]

I agree, how very sad for the 11 people who would vote this as a bad video. I hope they can find an easing from their suffering that causes such actions.

[@Claribole88]

OK, you make a point, I've never heard about men dying because of circumcision but I believe you it can happen. But It's a reel torture for woman, as I said, it's not removing a piece of skin... So even if both should not be done, I cant stop thinking it's more awfull for women.